Undergraduate Degree in Computer Animation

For international students who have decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer animation, there are a
number of pressing considerations to keep in mind. The article below highlights some of these important parts of
planning a successful undergraduate degree. The article will also offer an overview of a computer animation major,
including a list of typical courses a student can expect.

For international students studying in the US, there
are several important factors to keep in mind when deciding upon a potential major, including the number of career
opportunities available upon graduation, as well as personal fulfillment with the substance of the major. Given
these considerations, one of the increasingly popular decisions amongst international students is to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer animation. International students who decide to
study computer animation in the United States have decided to use their artistic talents to create the dazzling
special effects seen in Hollywood blockbuster films, television shows, and video games. There are many reasons that
studying computer science in the US has become so popular, and this
article will help identify the typical layout of an undergraduate degree in computer animation in hopes of making
effectively planning a computer animation major easier.

Studying Computer Animation

Computer animation is a field that combines fine arts with technical computer-based skill to bring special effects
big and small to life. Usually an undergraduate degree in computer animation takes the form of a four-year Bachelor
of Arts degree (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. While BS programs tend to focus more heavily on the
technical aspects of digital animation, production, and computer-generated imagery, BA programs often emphasize a
robust fine arts background, including the history of animation and character development. The cost of an
undergraduate degree in computer animation will vary depending on the state and institution at which the computer
animation major is located. However, there is also a large degree of flexibility regarding the number of courses a
student takes during a semester and academic year, so students will surely be able to find a program that can be
completed within their desired schedule. That being said, the first step in pursuing an undergraduate degree in
computer animation is to select an institution and program at which to study.

Choosing a Computer Animations Program

International students who desire an undergraduate degree in computer animation will have to establish some criteria
by which to decide between the many top-tier computer animation programs to which they will have access while
studying in the United States. Some central points to consider when deciding where to pursue a computer animation
major are:

The reputation of the institution and job placement rate of graduates,

The amount of funding/financial assistance that is available to undergraduate students,

The rate of debt among graduates,

Any industry affiliations (companies that work closely with graduates of a specific program or institution)
which students can use to gain access to the competitive computer animation industry.

Deciding to pursue a computer animation major will not only link students' careers with their passion, the decision
can also be a potentially lucrative investment. The undergraduate degree in computer animation a student receives
will prepare them for a career in the entertainment industry being part of bringing artistic visions to life in an
exciting medium.

Typical Courses Comprising a Four-Year Computer Animation Major

Fundamentals of Art (multiple levels)

Fundamentals of Animation (multiple levels)

Art History

2D Animation

3D Animation

Model Creation

Shading and Lighting

Methods of Design

Character Design and Creation

Geometry

Production Modeling

Physics

Rigging

Character Rigging

Character Animation

Visual Development

Motion Capture

Computer Animation Software

Compositing

Scene Finishing

Visual Effects

Animation Production

Portfolio Production (multiple levels, including capstone)

Learn more about studying computer animation in the USA by reading our growing article collection.

Over time we will be updating this section and including more information for those who want to study
computer animation in the USA and for other countries, but please feel free to post your thoughts and comments on our
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